Huw Humphreys Appointed Head Of Music

The Barbican is very pleased to announce the appointment of Huw Humphreys as its new Head of Music.

Humphreys brings a wealth of experience from the music sector to the role. For the past eight years he has been Director of Artistic Planning at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, where he has been responsible for the acclaimed orchestra's artistic programme and recording output. His previous roles including being General Manager of the European Union Youth Orchestra and eight years at arts management company Askonas Holt, including four years as Head of Tours and Projects. His education includes an MA in Music from Oxford University and a music scholarship at Winchester College

Louise Jeffreys, Director of Arts at the Barbican said:

"We're delighted to appoint Huw to this vital role at the Barbican. His experience of working with international artists and arts organisations, as well as his role in nurturing young talent as part of the European Union Youth Orchestra, makes him the perfect candidate to help deliver our vision of world-class arts and learning.

"Huw's work at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has shown him to be a truly innovative and visionary leader and we're looking forward to the new perspectives he will bring to the Barbican's outstanding music programme."

Huw Humpreys said:

"After eight years with the wonderful Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, I am thrilled to be returning home to be taking up the position of Head of Music at the Barbican. The opportunity to be working with such a talented and dedicated team and to collaborate with such extraordinary resident and associate ensembles proved to be an irresistible offer. I look forward to working in the Barbican's stimulating environment and contributing to its world-class cultural programme."

Huw's achievements at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra include the appointments of Sir Andrew Davis and Diego Matheuz as Chief Conductor and Principal Guest Conductor respectively, festivals and commissioning projects with composers including Thomas Adès, Brett Dean and Matthias Pintscher, securing the orchestra's debut performances at a number of major European Festivals and the expansion and development of the MSO's education and outreach programme.